"Regardless of if you’re on the app or not, TikTok has been dictating fashion trends for years at this point. In fact, I probably couldn’t count the quantity of influential style trends and aesthetics that have come out of TikTok if I tried. With this year’s renewed focus on individual style, topics like how to find your personal style have sparked a new wave of style rules that have been dominating my FYP as of late—the new, buzzy seven-point rule included.
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Though overwhelming at times, TikTok gives us a front-row seat to emerging trends and styling tips that were previously kept under wraps. Perhaps more importantly, it gives us the tools to know exactly how to apply those tips and trends to our personal style. Instead of copying looks exactly, creators are translating larger fashion themes into applicable styling rules to help users create long-lasting, individual style—and the seven-point rule is here to make getting dressed easier than ever.
What Is the 7-Point Rule?
TikTok’s seven-point rule says that a well-balanced outfit should be a combination of pieces totaling at least seven style “points,” which creators say helps to avoid looking plain or under-accessorized. In a recently posted video, creator Sreya Halder explains that “an item has a score of either one or two, depending on how much it adds to the outfit.” For example, a basic, solid-colored top or bottom would qualify as a “one” and an item with an interesting print, texture, or silhouette would qualify as a “two.” The goal is to reach at least seven points—but anything beyond that means you’re risking your outfit looking overly busy.
How To Apply the 7-Point Rule
I know what you’re probably thinking: Getting dressed is complicated enough, so why bring numbers into the equation? I was guilty of thinking that too, but upon further investigation, the seven-point rule is actually pretty straightforward. For the average user, it takes the guesswork out of choosing the right piece and instead generalizes items by a singular point, depending on the item’s distinctiveness. Once you understand the scoring, the rule is pretty foolproof.
Tops: 1-2 Points
One-point items, such as a white tee or a solid-colored top, make up the base of what most creators quantify as the first three points: a top (1), bottoms (1), shoes (1). A leopard-print or eyelet top would count as two points, as elements like print and texture qualify as statement-making.
1-Point Tops
2-Point Tops
Bottoms: 1-2 Points
Your everyday jeans or trousers also count as one point, whereas gingham capris or a bubble-hem skirt count as two. If you’re choosing two-point bottoms, try balancing them out with a one-point top.
1-Point Bottoms
2-Point Bottoms
Dresses & Jumpsuits: 1-2 Points
If you choose a dress or jumpsuit, the same rules apply: one point for anything neutral or solid-colored, and double points for an item with an interesting texture, print, or shape.
1-Point Dresses & Jumpsuits
2-Point Dresses & Jumpsuits
Shoes: 1-2 Points
Something like a cow-print loafer or a mesh ballet flat equals double the fun (literally). If your top or bottom feel simple, footwear is a great place to rack up the points; however, if you already have a double-point item or two, consider opting for a simple shoe instead.
1-Point Shoes
2-Point Shoes
Accessories: 1-2 Points
Creator Kayla Ryan explains that even if you’re wearing two or three pieces of jewelry, they still count as one point collectively. To up your accessories points, however, you could consider a belt, sunglasses, or even a fun hairstyle—anything to help enhance the look.
1-Point Accessories
2-Point Accessories
Tinsley Crisp, Fashion & Beauty Staff Writer
Tinsley Crisp is a Fashion & Beauty Staff Writer at The Everygirl and specializes in reporting on the season’s latest trends and hottest products. As a New York City-based stylist, she’s committed to injecting joy into the art of getting dressed and delivering attainable yet aspirational content to our readers.
Products included in graphic linked within the article. Feature graphic images credited to: Abercrombie, Dolce Vita, Abercrombie, Steve Madden, Abercrombie, and Freja NYC.